How to Stand Out When Applying for Tech Jobs Abroad
In 2024, job options aren’t limited by your city or even your home country – you can easily work for US companies when you are living in various countries throughout the globe. Such experience gives you a lot of advantages – promising job opportunities, competitive compensation, interesting experience, and a great line in your CV.
However, are you ready to join the global workforce? Getting a job abroad is rewarding – both financially and emotionally – but you need to be sharp to withstand competition and meet the requirements set by the potential employer. So, if you have the ambition to work for a tech company abroad, this article is for you. Use these tips to prepare your application for job openings from US-based companies, like the ones we have here.
Table of Content
Refine Your English Skills
English is the basics behind working internationally. If you want to work for business abroad, and you are especially aiming for US-based tech companies, you need to have great English skills. Writing, listening, reading, and speaking – you need to master it all, as you need to be able to communicate and collaborate with your colleagues and managers. You might not always need a C1 (advanced) level, but a strong B2 (upper-intermediate) is highly recommended. If your English is below that, there are a few ways how to improve it to the necessary level:
- take offline or online English classes;
- hire a personal tutor;
- consume content (books, movies, TV shows, video games, social media, podcasts etc.) in English;
- participate in speaking clubs with native speakers;
- use language apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone.
Stay Relevant
The tech industry is constantly on the move, and you need to follow it if you want to stay competitive in this intense market. A great example is the AI boom — a few years ago several companies were using it, and now almost every product team wants to implement an LLM or a recommender system. Employers are looking for candidates who are not only skilled but also up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. To ensure you stay ahead during your job search, focus on continuous learning and professional development. Here are some effective ways to stay relevant:
- take online courses Coursera, Udemy, and edX;
- follow industry news and read reputable sources like TechCrunch, Wired, and MIT Technology Review;
- join professional networks and organizations, or participate in discussions on Stack Overflow and similar platforms.
Focus on Your Accomplishments
When you want to get a position in a great company, you need not only to show what you have previously but also what you have achieved. This might sound vague to you, but it is a matter of how you present your work experience. You can simply say that you have been working with a certain technology at your previous workplace, or you can explain how your contribution helped the company become closer to its goals. Mention your quantified achievements, e.g., that you have decreased application load time by 25%, or implemented a feature that increased user engagement by 40%. Here are some other suggestions you might consider:
- highlight previous projects that are relevant to the position you are applying for now; describe your role there, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them;
- include any awards or recognitions you have received, whether it is an employee of the month or industry-specific award;
- if you have received positive feedback from supervisors, colleagues, or clients, include brief testimonials or quotes.
Contribute to Open Source
Contributing to open-source projects is an excellent way to demonstrate your skills, collaborate with other developers, and gain visibility in the tech community. It shows your dedication to continuous learning and your ability to work in a team environment.
Here are some tips on how to effectively contribute to open source:
- look for open-source projects that align with your interests and expertise on GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket;
- begin with small contributions like fixing bugs, improving documentation, or writing tests;
- read the contribution guidelines for the project you have chosen and carefully follow them;
- keep a record of your contributions in your portfolio or resume; don't forget to describe the tasks you completed, the challenges you faced, and the impact of your work.
Obtain Relevant Certifications
Earning certifications shows that you are keeping up with the times and are dedicated to growing even when you already have substantial working experience. Certification can also open doors to advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential. Here are some strategies to help you obtain relevant certifications:
- determine which certifications are most relevant to your career path and the job you are aiming for; through LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed you can understand what certifications US companies expect from applicants;
- take advantage of free resources available online, as many certification bodies offer free study materials, practice questions, and webinars to help candidates prepare for their exams;
- use platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning to prepare for your exam – these platforms offer a lot of comprehensive courses for various certification exams.
As someone who has been in the recruitment field for quite some time, I've got some tips for you.
- First, dive into the product: check the company's website and get to know their product, and if it is possible, install and play around with it.
- Second, show genuine interest in the company and its products, and positively convey your interest in all your interactions with the company.
- Third, stay calm and positive during the interview. Listen carefully to your interviewers and respond thoughtfully, and show respect for your previous employer; recall that you were once an integral part of the company and its culture. Remember, the company may have its own standards and criteria, so don’t take it personally if you don’t meet all of them.
- Fourth, always ask for feedback after the interview, so you can use it for your further improvement as a specialist.
- Last but not least: don’t be shy about asking the recruiter for advice. They can provide valuable insights to help you improve your application and interview performance. Recruiters are usually here to help 🙂
Finding Your Dream Job with TurnKey
If you feel ready to join the global workforce, you come to the right place! For years, TurnKey Tech Staffing has connected developers from Latin America and Eastern Europe with the US-based high-growth tech company. So why would you want to find a new job with TurnKey?
- Our vacancies aren't outsourcing — you become a deeply integrated part of the development team, where you are on par with the on-site developers.
- You start working on the global market for global companies, which means new career opportunities, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and next-level experience for your CV.
Explore TurnKey’s vacancies to find your next dream job!
Summing Up
It is not a secret that job hunting in the tech industry become more difficult than before. However, do not let that discourage you – companies all over the world are still looking for promising candidates who can deliver value for their development process. So, get prepared, groom your CV, think through your presentation strategy – and let yourself dream big!
FAQ
There are several options:
- use job boards and websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized tech job sites like Stack Overflow Jobs and AngelList to find international job postings.
- connect with professionals in your desired location through LinkedIn and industry-specific networks;
- target multinational companies that have offices in various countries, as these companies often have internal transfer opportunities once you have proven yourself in one location;
- apply for TurnKey’s vacancies to land a job in a well-capitalized, US-based tech company.
To improve your chances of securing developer jobs abroad, focus on developing the following key skills:
- technical expertise;
- English proficiency;
- adaptability and cultural awareness;
- problem-solving skills;
- collaboration and teamwork.
To tailor your application and stand out to international employers, consider the following tips:
- Research the company. Understand the company’s values, culture, and the specific requirements of the job. Use this information to tailor your resume and cover letter.
- Highlight international experience. If you have any experience working with international teams, studying abroad, or collaborating on global projects, make sure to highlight it. This demonstrates your ability to adapt to different cultures and work environments.
- Emphasize relevant tech skills. Focus on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter to show that you meet the specific requirements.
- Showcase your flexibility. Indicate your willingness to relocate and adapt to new environments. Mention any language skills or cultural competencies that could be advantageous for the role.
- Include a professional summary. Start your resume with a professional summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. This provides a quick snapshot of your suitability for the role.
TurnKey Staffing provides information for general guidance only and does not offer legal, tax, or accounting advice. We encourage you to consult with professional advisors before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business or legal rights.
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